Monday, September 21, 2009
A Handbook of Enemy Strategies
Here's a recap of the John Piper list we went over in our talk about spiritual warfare. Get familiar with it, so you aren't the one being destroyed out of lack of understanding. Love you guys. Fight on. Praise Jesus!
Men's Group 9/21
Hey Men - We're at John Michael's again tonight starting at 6:30 sharp!!! Hope you all can make it.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Men's group at Justin's tonight!!
Hey guys, we're meeting at Justin's pad tonight (9/14).
318 W Alamar at 6:30 PM sharp. Pass it on and let's make sure that everyone knows what's up!
Monday, September 7, 2009
Happy Labor Day!
Hey men! Just a reminder to everyone that we are not meeting tonight because it's Labor Day! So go grill up some hot dogs and kick back and be sure to spend some time thanking Jesus that He has seen fit to let us live in a land such as this!
See you next week at John Michael's pad at 6:30!
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Unpacking Luke 12:51
Hey Men,
Good stuff on Monday night. I was stoked to see you all there and blessed by your words. I was just thinkging about Luke 12:51 today (the verse we prayed over and sought to understand). Not that this is a biblical explanation of what that verse means - as I think we did a really good job letting the Spirit lead us in understanding it, but there are some heavy implications as to the topic of division for us as men in today's world.
In light of walking like Jesus, here's my thoughts:
Division is so clearly an effect of sin and a central reason for the need of Jesus. We're cut off from God in our sin. That's why Jesus had to die. So isn't it natural that when the opportunity arises to choose Jesus or the way of the world, there's going to be division?
In that, we need to stand firm of the foundation of Jesus and take a stand. As men, we're called to lead. And how can we lead if we're going to compromise the truths of our Lord? Simple, we can't. We can't be effective - in our jobs, our relationships, our ministries - if we're just going to "take our hand off the plow" and foresake Jesus because it causes division.
Who's side do you want to be on when it all ends? If your answer is Jesus, then act like it, seriously. This isn't a game where we will all just laugh and hang out together when it's done. People are going to die! Should we go with what the world says and just "co-exist" and accept everyone? Could you seriously do that knowing what's going to come on the day of judgement, where billions of people are going to be thrown into the lake of fire, for eternity?
So don't let the words of men deter us from worshiping our God in "spirit and truth" (John 4:23). Don't be scared just because of division.
I plead with all of you guys, please, don't give in to the world's idea of "peace". It's such a false gospel from the pit of hell. Here, check this out. The world says "co-exist" and "accept people" and be "tollerant", right? Right. The world says that if you're at all a loving person, you will also be tollerant and accepting of people's choices, whether it be political, sexual, moral, etc. (notice that Satan has totally twisted the concept of love and made is synonymous with tollerance and acceptance) And this is all good, unless you disagree. Then you're a biggot and a homophobe and a chauvinist. Do you see the irony here?
Being racist is one thing, being unwavering in our convictions in Jesus is totally different - and should not be confused.
In today's world, division is seen as unpatriotic, unclassy, ungentlemanly, unfriendly, intollerant, and sometimes, even un-Christ-like. This is false. This is a lie straight from the father of lies that the world has swallowed hook, line and sinker.
Jesus never shied away from conflict, not because he was a jerk or didn't care about people's feelings, but because He had the deepest intimacy with the Father which lead to the clearest vision of the Father's will. This lead Him to be uncompromising in his motives, actions and words.
We as men should strive to seek the Father the way Jesus did, so that our hearts could be set on doing His will for His glory and the furtherment of His kingdom "on Earth as it is in Heaven".
Just like Jesus, this doesn't mean that we are mean-spirited, hard-hearted, or cruel in our speech towards others when division exists. Actually, we would become more compassionate (suffering with) towards those who don't know Jesus because our heart is broken for the lack of understanding that God sees every day.
Jesus doesn't cause division, people doing there own thing and disagreeing with God do. Let's live like Jesus. Let's love and be bold and speak truth. No fears. "If God is for us, who can be against us?"
Love,
Kyle
Good stuff on Monday night. I was stoked to see you all there and blessed by your words. I was just thinkging about Luke 12:51 today (the verse we prayed over and sought to understand). Not that this is a biblical explanation of what that verse means - as I think we did a really good job letting the Spirit lead us in understanding it, but there are some heavy implications as to the topic of division for us as men in today's world.
In light of walking like Jesus, here's my thoughts:
Division is so clearly an effect of sin and a central reason for the need of Jesus. We're cut off from God in our sin. That's why Jesus had to die. So isn't it natural that when the opportunity arises to choose Jesus or the way of the world, there's going to be division?
In that, we need to stand firm of the foundation of Jesus and take a stand. As men, we're called to lead. And how can we lead if we're going to compromise the truths of our Lord? Simple, we can't. We can't be effective - in our jobs, our relationships, our ministries - if we're just going to "take our hand off the plow" and foresake Jesus because it causes division.
Who's side do you want to be on when it all ends? If your answer is Jesus, then act like it, seriously. This isn't a game where we will all just laugh and hang out together when it's done. People are going to die! Should we go with what the world says and just "co-exist" and accept everyone? Could you seriously do that knowing what's going to come on the day of judgement, where billions of people are going to be thrown into the lake of fire, for eternity?
So don't let the words of men deter us from worshiping our God in "spirit and truth" (John 4:23). Don't be scared just because of division.
I plead with all of you guys, please, don't give in to the world's idea of "peace". It's such a false gospel from the pit of hell. Here, check this out. The world says "co-exist" and "accept people" and be "tollerant", right? Right. The world says that if you're at all a loving person, you will also be tollerant and accepting of people's choices, whether it be political, sexual, moral, etc. (notice that Satan has totally twisted the concept of love and made is synonymous with tollerance and acceptance) And this is all good, unless you disagree. Then you're a biggot and a homophobe and a chauvinist. Do you see the irony here?
Being racist is one thing, being unwavering in our convictions in Jesus is totally different - and should not be confused.
In today's world, division is seen as unpatriotic, unclassy, ungentlemanly, unfriendly, intollerant, and sometimes, even un-Christ-like. This is false. This is a lie straight from the father of lies that the world has swallowed hook, line and sinker.
Jesus never shied away from conflict, not because he was a jerk or didn't care about people's feelings, but because He had the deepest intimacy with the Father which lead to the clearest vision of the Father's will. This lead Him to be uncompromising in his motives, actions and words.
We as men should strive to seek the Father the way Jesus did, so that our hearts could be set on doing His will for His glory and the furtherment of His kingdom "on Earth as it is in Heaven".
Just like Jesus, this doesn't mean that we are mean-spirited, hard-hearted, or cruel in our speech towards others when division exists. Actually, we would become more compassionate (suffering with) towards those who don't know Jesus because our heart is broken for the lack of understanding that God sees every day.
Jesus doesn't cause division, people doing there own thing and disagreeing with God do. Let's live like Jesus. Let's love and be bold and speak truth. No fears. "If God is for us, who can be against us?"
Love,
Kyle
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Assignment for Monday!
What up, men?
How's everyone doing? Well, here's a little assignment for this Monday... everybody needs to think of one passage in the Bible that is difficult to understand. Or if you have a question on some piece of scripture that you find confusing -- make a mental note of it and where it is found (chapter and verse) and be ready to do something with it when you come on Monday. Okay?
Here is an example: Matthew 24:40 says "Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left."
Is this verse talking about the Rapture, Judgment, or something else?
Easy enough? We'll explain the details when you arrive.
Blessings guys,
Luke
How's everyone doing? Well, here's a little assignment for this Monday... everybody needs to think of one passage in the Bible that is difficult to understand. Or if you have a question on some piece of scripture that you find confusing -- make a mental note of it and where it is found (chapter and verse) and be ready to do something with it when you come on Monday. Okay?
Here is an example: Matthew 24:40 says "Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left."
Is this verse talking about the Rapture, Judgment, or something else?
Easy enough? We'll explain the details when you arrive.
Blessings guys,
Luke
Friday, August 14, 2009
Reality London Blog
Hey guys,
Just wanted to let you all know that the Reality London Blog is up and running. Any photos, video journal entries, prayer requests, praise reports, etc. will be posted while we are over there.
Hopefully see you guys on Sunday when we are "sent out". If not, expect to hear from me in Jolly Old England!
Peace in Him,
Devin
Monday, August 10, 2009
Listen Up at John Michaels House tonight
Listenupmen,
We will be meeting at 6:30 pm tonight at John Michaels house on the mesa.
The address is:
660 Roberto Ave. Santa Barbara, CA 93109
We will be meeting in the back yark again so as a courtesy to his roomate, walk through the gate on the side of the house instead of through the front door.
Unfortunatly, I will not be able to make it tonight but I hope your time together is fruitful. God bless.
We will be meeting at 6:30 pm tonight at John Michaels house on the mesa.
The address is:
660 Roberto Ave. Santa Barbara, CA 93109
We will be meeting in the back yark again so as a courtesy to his roomate, walk through the gate on the side of the house instead of through the front door.
Unfortunatly, I will not be able to make it tonight but I hope your time together is fruitful. God bless.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Posted for John Michael
We are good to go for men’s group next week 6:30 at Jesus’ house on Roberto
Pray for Jason my roommate
Additionally, Laura Ling and Euna Lee’s information is found at: http://www.lauraandeuna.com/
Tim Chaddick said it would really help if we all wrote letters (through the website is fine)…but addressed to the First Lady appealing to her as a mother…just FYI
Here's the notes from Monday night. Dig into these verses and chew on what was taught last night!
Intimacy with Jesus
First, lets get a fresh perspective.
- Jesus living; you can know, touch, see, and embrace Him
1. Sgs 2:6 "Let his left hand be under my head And his right hand embrace me."
2. Mat 9:21 for she was saying to herself, "If I only touch His garment, I will get well."
3. Mar 10:13 And they were bringing children to Him so that He might touch them;
4. Jhn 14:7 "If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also; from now on you know Him, and have seen Him."
- Jesus desires to know us intimately
1. Sgs 2:4 "He has brought me to {his} banquet hall, And his banner over me is love.
2. Psa 139:1 O LORD, You have searched me and known {me.}
3. Psa 139:3 You scrutinize my path and my lying down, And are intimately acquainted with all my ways.
- We were made to glorify Him & Enjoy Him.
1. Mat 5:16 "Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
2. Luk 10:39 She had a sister called Mary, who was seated at the Lord's feet, listening to His word.
- God made us with the ability [i.e. the facilities] to commune with Him on that intimate level.
1. Jhn 10:27 "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me;
- We are even mandated to be intimate with Him: “Love the Lord your God”
1. Deu 6:5 "You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.
- Nothing can separate us from Him and His love
1. Rom 8:39 nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
- We show his glory in and despite our yukkiness [i.e. the fact that an Almighty father, God of the Universe, who dwells in the Highest Heaven, would ‘rend* the heavens’ (*a term of immediacy and violence of action) and come down to save a disgusting and pathetic little sinner, much less have compassion or mercy, much less desire to be intimate with us; magnifies His Glory above the heavens][To bring an example down to earth look at the end of any medal of honor recipient’s epitaph: …and in doing so brought great glory upon themselves and great honor upon the United States Army (inferring the statement: ‘what other army has men such as these?’). So then: What other nation of people has a God such as our God?
The model of intimacy given by our father is the convent of Marriage [Ruth]---so we will use Marriage to illustrate intimacy
A perfect wife does nothing for herself, just as Jesus in John 8:28 “I do nothing of myself;” allowing her husband to provide all her needs while uplifting Him with all her heart and strength. Because she knows (or trusts) that his ministry is Jesus’ ministry and Jesus’ ministry is the Father’s ministry. And the Father has already given ALL to Jesus and Jesus will richly supply all to the needs of a husband following/trusting/obeying Him with all his heart, and a husband rich in Jesus will supply all his Bride’s needs: safety satisfaction and love [and all of those flow from the Hand of Jesus].
- [[What do we normally do? We are brides seeking these things in ‘broken cisterns’ like big houses, nice cars, children, financial security, etc]]
A wife should seek only her husband’s glory. She has taken on His name and so her glory is now intimately tied into her husbands. The Holy Spirit does this in John 16:13 “for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, [that] shall he speak.” Look at the Holy Spirit’s example: every time He shows up in the Old Testament He is introduced as an ‘unnamed servant.’ This is found when Rebecca is introduced to Issac and when Ruth is introduced to Boaz and many others. How terrific an example, that the third person of the Godhead would humble Himself to the point of not being named while doing the work of Glorifying of another. By His example we should never be named. Only Jesus should be named.
Knowing these things we are left with the question of ‘how.’ But if you think about it, the only reason we are asking ‘how’ is due to the context with which we live. We only see the ‘waves’ in which we are drowning. I will not address the ‘waves’ because they are pointless to even mention. I would, however, argue that there is nothing, but to have relation with Jesus Christ. Psalm 93:3-4 “The floods have lifted up, O Lord, the floods have lifted up their voice; The floods lift up their waves. The Lord on high is MIGHTIER than the noise of many waters, than the mighty waves of the sea.” Amen. Lets move to the solution. Two phases:
- Press into your Jesus 1Chronicles 16:10-11 “Glory in His holy name; let the heart of those who seek the Lord be glad. Seek the Lord and His strength; seek His face continually.” Amen
- Take off everything which hinders [i.e. the world]
Line 1: How to Press into Jesus:
- Read the word for hours a day [a bride needs to become her Husbands ‘biggest fan.’ If she is to be conformed to looking like Him [so is what it means to be one flesh with Him.] She needs to acquire as much information about His character that she can find—to the detriment of all other activities
[Just as you would want your wife to swoon over you---so swoon over Jesus]
- Pray for hours a day (in one sitting) You are the Bride of Christ and what the Bride’s heart needs is constant communication with her Bridegroom.
[just as human wives need this communication]
- Listen for His voice. Jesus speaks in a still, small voice. Satan uses our eyes to lead us astray. So go to a place where satan can’t use your eyes and prostrate yourself and listen. Just listen. Silence before God is right.
- Acknowledge Him in everything. [He brings everything to pass---even the bad---He made the whole world and, like a good husband, delights in giving it all to you!!!]
[articulate this in you conversations with friends Tarik is a good example of this]
- Thank Him [In a marriage, thankfulness is key gigantic. Go overboard! Thank Him for everything that brings you joy—then thank him for proven Character and Hope born from the things which don’t.
- Obey Him [you show your love as a Bride by obeying; Obey his word]
[Submission is right]
Line 2: Rend all which hinders (For me: I always start extreme and work backwards: like Josiah [II Chronicles 34] [Tell the story about Todd and the CD’s]
· Essentially put off everything but Jesus. Lay your daily or weekly pleasures on the alter and walk away. [wait for Jesus to hand them back]
· This includes surfing, movies, dinner out, the mall, the beach, running, weightlifting, shopping, alcohol, video games, magazines, posters or pictures on your wall, television…any input (especially visual) which isn’t Directly Jesus.
· Be mindful that in doing this, we are only creating an environment of intimacy (but like worship at Reality, just turning down the lights doesn’t make people worship---likewise, DEEP AND TERRIBLE HUMILITY is obligitory to truly be intimate with Jesus)
1. weep bitterly
2. die to yourself
3. it should hurt as your divorce yourself from the world and everything you know. All for a promise which is not in this world.
Friday, July 24, 2009
Monday BBQ at John Michael's 5:15
What's up men! For those who don't know, and to remind those that do, we're having a BBQ at John Michael's this week. Plan on showing up around 5:15 if at all possible and we'll break bread (and steaks) and eat together for awhile in Jesus' name!
Here's the deal-
We need to sign up for provisions. John Michael is brining soda and chips for everyone.
We're thinking it's easier if everyone brings their own meat, but if you're bringing enough for two then post up so we don't have a ton of excess.
We need sign ups for the following items:
paper cups
paper plates
ice
napkins
plastic forks and knives
sides (mac & cheese, potato salad, cole slaw, etc)
So leave a comment to this post and let us know what you're gonna bring. Don't forget to sign your name to your comment so we know who's bringing what.
See you guys on Monday!!
In Him,
J
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Men's group at John Michael's tonight!!
MEN!!!!!
Hey guys, new time tonight: we'll be meeting at 6:30 tonight (July 20) at John Michael's pad. We'll be on the porch out back again so be sure to bring your hoodies or jackets. Be sure to pass the word around- leave no man behind!
See you tonight!
Monday, July 13, 2009
Bummer Night!!!!!
Hey guys, unfortunately mens group is a no go tonight... July 13 2009... Sorry.. See you next week.. If you want, feel free to do something else tonight ie, love on your wife, call your family, write a friend, walk the hampster, plant a tree, paint your room, volunteer at the rescue mission, do some push ups, make some pasta, read your bible, write a book, pray, fast, run fast, or just get to bed early.. Much Love.. TG
Monday, July 6, 2009
Mens Group on the MESA!!!!
Hey, today is July 06, 2009 .... Mens group is at John Michael's house tonite in the back yard.. Dress warm and be on time!! Seven sharp!! Please call and text and email some peeps so everyone knows.. See you tonite in the mood light.. You know what I mean.. Pass it on.
660 Roberto Ave. Santa Barbara, CA 93109
660 Roberto Ave. Santa Barbara, CA 93109
Sunday, July 5, 2009
You Have to Listen to This Sermon
Hey Guys,
Please listen to this sermon. It is hard to swallow, but necessary. Here is the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pBhqrtMqrv8
Love,
Paul
Please listen to this sermon. It is hard to swallow, but necessary. Here is the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pBhqrtMqrv8
Love,
Paul
Monday, June 29, 2009
Welcome Clay and Wood
Hey Clay and Wood! I hope you guys make it tonight.. Try to map quest these directions. Call me if you get lost. Taylor 805 455 4122
2126 East Valley Rd Montecito, CA We star at 700 pm... I don't know the zip code but it should still work on mapquest.com
2126 East Valley Rd Montecito, CA We star at 700 pm... I don't know the zip code but it should still work on mapquest.com
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Being the Salt and Light of the Earth: Full Article in Link
We all know that we are to be a light shining as a city on a hill. We are to be a light in a dark place. I think most of us have that one down. But what about the salt? Every sermon i have ever heard about salt the minister talked about us was this. If salt has not flavor, it had no value. If Christians make no effort to affect the world around them, they have little or no value. We should bring out the best in everyone around us. Pastors have also talked about salt being a natural preservative meaning we are to help each other from rotting spiritually. But here is the thing that grabbed me, i don't know about you but salt makes me thirsty. I think that movie theaters have this figured out. They put extra salt on the popcorn so you will get thirsty and have to buy the big $7 dollar drink. We are to be that way as followers of Christ. We should show the love of Jesus in a way that people looking at us thirst for what we have in Christ. Have them asking about the Living Water that the women at the well asked about and received.
Being the Salt and the Light; Not the Vinegar
Being the Salt and the Light; Not the Vinegar
Monday, June 22, 2009
Monday, June 15, 2009
Men's group at John Michael's tonight!!
Men! Tonight we are meeting at John Michael's house at 7 o'clock. Be there or be square, tell your friends, spread the word. Friends don't let friends show up at Tarik's house.
Love you guys!
Love you guys!
Monday, June 8, 2009
Listen Up! Luke is back...
Hey Guys,
Luke's back! Men's group tonight back at tarik's - 7pm. Bring some grub or snacks if you want.
Sunday, May 31, 2009
June 1st Mens Group at John Michael's
Hey Men, Come to John Michael's house through the left side of the house gate... Bring a coat!!!!
This is to let all y'all know that Men's Group will not be at Tarik's tonight. Instead we will be meeting at John Michael's pad in SB. Same time though, so plan on getting there before 7 so we can start on time. The address is below.
Please text/email/call any guys you think won't/can't check out the blog. Let's get everybody there.
And, as always, come ready to dig in and dish out.
John Michael's:
660 Roberto Ave, Santa Barbara, CA 93109
Link to Google Maps:
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=660+Roberto+Ave,+Santa+Barbara,+CA+93109&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=65.685051,135.351563&ie=UTF8&z=17&iwloc=A>">
This is to let all y'all know that Men's Group will not be at Tarik's tonight. Instead we will be meeting at John Michael's pad in SB. Same time though, so plan on getting there before 7 so we can start on time. The address is below.
Please text/email/call any guys you think won't/can't check out the blog. Let's get everybody there.
And, as always, come ready to dig in and dish out.
John Michael's:
660 Roberto Ave, Santa Barbara, CA 93109
Link to Google Maps:
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=660+Roberto+Ave,+Santa+Barbara,+CA+93109&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=65.685051,135.351563&ie=UTF8&z=17&iwloc=A>">
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Memorial Day Weekend
Brosephs, we traditionally take off Memorial Day Monday. If you want to have a little get together go for it. I'm pretty sure Tarik's house is not an option. Therefore, if you want to have a sesh with some of the guys, someone needs to post it and send out some texts as to the location etc.. Otherwise, there will not be a traditional gathering. If you want to get together but need help spreading the word just call me. Taylor
Monday, May 18, 2009
LISTEN UP! At John Michael's Tonight
Hey Men,
This is to let all y'all know that Men's Group will not be at Tarik's tonight. Instead we will be meeting at John Michael's pad in SB. Same time though, so plan on getting there before 7 so we can start on time. The address is below.
Please text/email/call any guys you think won't/can't check out the blog. Let's get everybody there.
And, as always, come ready to dig in and dish out.
John Michael's:
660 Roberto Ave, Santa Barbara, CA 93109
Link to Google Maps:
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=660+Roberto+Ave,+Santa+Barbara,+CA+93109&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=65.685051,135.351563&ie=UTF8&z=17&iwloc=A>">
See you guys tonight!
This is to let all y'all know that Men's Group will not be at Tarik's tonight. Instead we will be meeting at John Michael's pad in SB. Same time though, so plan on getting there before 7 so we can start on time. The address is below.
Please text/email/call any guys you think won't/can't check out the blog. Let's get everybody there.
And, as always, come ready to dig in and dish out.
John Michael's:
660 Roberto Ave, Santa Barbara, CA 93109
Link to Google Maps:
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=660+Roberto+Ave,+Santa+Barbara,+CA+93109&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=65.685051,135.351563&ie=UTF8&z=17&iwloc=A>">
See you guys tonight!
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Men and Marriage
Hey guys! This is a sermon by Mark Driscoll on the roll of men in marriage. In light of what we've been covering the last few weeks, and especially last night, I thought it would be appropriate to post this up here. Now...a brief warning- this message may hurt a little bit, but it's the kind of hurt that is followed by times of refreshing- so don't be scared. Be men.
If you're married, you should hear this. If you're thinking about marriage, you should DEFINITELY hear this. You single guys, remember what Kyle said about staying pure for your wife even though you haven't met her yet. Driscoll will flesh that out for you. He's loving with a tough love here, but it's faithful to God's word. So watch it PRAYERFULLY with an open heart. Be blessed my brothers. Amen.
-J
If you're married, you should hear this. If you're thinking about marriage, you should DEFINITELY hear this. You single guys, remember what Kyle said about staying pure for your wife even though you haven't met her yet. Driscoll will flesh that out for you. He's loving with a tough love here, but it's faithful to God's word. So watch it PRAYERFULLY with an open heart. Be blessed my brothers. Amen.
-J
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Our walk as Jesus walked
Hey guys, As I was passing the house on Connor where we used to meet, I was just thinking of how sad I am. Sad that that season has passed, and then I thought of how this little group of very simple men, has been used by God. How He has moved us to Hawaii, Turkey, Washington, Colorado, Orange County, Santa Ynez, maybe soon San Francisco, etc. Wow Praise God! I was reading in Joshua 18:3 "How long will you put off entering to take possession of the land which the Lord, the God of your fathers, has given you?" Then in John 2 about the Miracle at Cana of the water into wine. From verse 3 , " and when the wine gave out, the mother of Jesus said to Him," they have no wine." vs 4 And Jesus said to her "Woman, what do I have to do with you? My hour has not yet come." Her response in verse 5 is what hit me, 5 His mother said to the servants "Whatever He says to you, do it." He is just waiting for us to possess the land that He has given us. The response He gave to His mom seemed closed ended. Yet she knowing His nature and His promises, pressed Him to show His power. Oh that we would have such a faith. Guys I miss each and everyone of you. But now I am starting to understand how Paul felt when his close friends would be sent out for the Gospels sake. We will have all eternity to speak of our many journeys. God Bless
Friday, April 10, 2009
Rebuttal to those who call Jesus a Man
Hey Guys,
This is a response i sent to a colleague of mine who sent me an article trying to claim that Christians and non-Christian scholars agree on who Jesus was. Here is the link to the article that my co-worker sent. Below is my "scholarly" response. It is very long so if you don't read it i wont be offended, but this may be of use to you in the future. So in the light of John here it is
Article: Who was Jesus the Man?
What does Jesus Say By Neil Roessler
While I am not calling into question the intentions of the writer of this article I would like to point out some very interesting things for your information about the argument presented by the man being interviewed. It is true that we can agree on a historical Jesus. What is interesting though is that the author or interviewer has chosen a man from the Jesus seminar as the main speaker for his subject. The Jesus Seminar is the main institution calling into question the validity of the Gospels and discerning who really was the man Jesus Christ. What is interesting is that, for many years, they, Just like their Christian counterparts are lacking objective analysis of the subject of Jesus Christ. Notice how their rhetoric is inticing, However, they certainly have omitted much of how Jesus presented himself to the world and particularly the disciples.
Hagerland, making a point about how many of the Gospel stories have been exaggerated says this:
"The reactions as depicted in the Gospels must have been exaggerated because, as far as we can know from historical research, no first-century Jew would have considered the proclamation of forgiveness blasphemous," Hagerland said. "It is far more likely then, that the controversy over Jesus' proclamation of forgiveness is not grounded in an historical exchange, but was brought into the episode for rhetorical purposes."
This is very compelling, except it leaves out any scholarly analysis of Jewish beliefs and what Jesus said. Here is the actual story that Hagerland is referring to:
Mark 2:1-12
1A few days later, when Jesus again entered Capernaum, the people heard that he had come home. 2So many gathered that there was no room left, not even outside the door, and he preached the word to them. 3Some men came, bringing to him a paralytic, carried by four of them. 4Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus and, after digging through it, lowered the mat the paralyzed man was lying on. 5When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "Son, your sins are forgiven."
6Now some teachers of the law were sitting there, thinking to themselves, 7"Why does this fellow talk like that? He's blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?"
8Immediately Jesus knew in his spirit that this was what they were thinking in their hearts, and he said to them, "Why are you thinking these things? 9Which is easier: to say to the paralytic, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Get up, take your mat and walk'? 10But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins . . . ." He said to the paralytic, 11"I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home." 12He got up, took his mat and walked out in full view of them all. This amazed everyone and they praised God, saying, "We have never seen anything like this!"
First off, Hagerland leaves out the fact that Jesus was setting a precedent never before seen by Jewish people. They believed that forgiveness was a part of everyday life. However, for someone to say they had the power to forgive a peoples sins would have been blasphemy to Jews who believe only God can forgive sins. Jesus claiming here that the power had been given to him.
On a similar note, in the gospel of John, the author recalled Jesus’ baptism by John the Baptist. As Jesus entered the area John was baptizing people, he saw Jesus among the crowd and proclaimed, shortly after John baptized Jesus:
29The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, "Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! [John 1:29]
This is another precedent in Jewish culture. This proclamation would never have been heard before. Jews would have been stunned because prior to this, Jews were only used to having their sins be covered. In the Old Testament the sacrifices offered only served to cover the sins of the world. However, john stated that Jesus was “the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” Take away, not just cover. Jews would have been perplexed at this because no one before in history could be said to be able to take away the sins of the world.
The second example that Hagerland uses to support his argument is that Jesus did not consider that he would die for the sins of the world. He also misses that fact that although Jesus was crucified by the authorities, Jesus presented his crucifixion in a different manner. To say his disciples only regarded Jesus death as sacrificial for sins and not Jesus himself shows very poor scholarship. According to the article and the Jesus seminar scholars:
"While crucifixion was a punishment consistent with Roman law during Jesus' time, historians say, the circumstances of Jesus' crucifixion certainly morphed in the decades following his death, according to Borg."
"Historically, Jesus was executed by the authorities - Roman imperial authority in collaboration with high-ranking priestly authority. Historically he did not 'die for the sins of the world,' but he was killed by the powers that ruled his world," Borg said."
However, in John chapter 10 Jesus makes this statement in reference to his crucifixion:
18"(W)No one has taken it away from Me, but I (X)lay it down on My own initiative I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again (Y)This commandment I received from My Father."
To second the fact that Jesus approached the cross knowing exactly what he was doing I want to draw your attention to the verse we were discussing yesterday that is used by the blue cross.
The verse, which is documented as Jesus speaking at the beginning of his ministry, around three years before his crucifixion says this:
John 3:10 10You are Israel's teacher," said Jesus [speaking to a 1st century Jewish leader named Nicodemus, who according to John was at Jesus crucifixion and eventually believed In Jesus], "and do you not understand these things? 11I tell you the truth, we speak of what we know, and we testify to what we have seen, but still you people do not accept our testimony. 12I have spoken to you of earthly things and you do not believe; how then will you believe if I speak of heavenly things? 13No one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven—the Son of Man.[d] 14Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, 15that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life.[e]
The bolded type is a reference to numbers 21. Context of the story is that the Jewish people were sinning against God, so God sent snakes to judge the people. Here is the story
7(J)So the people came to Moses and said, "We have sinned, because we have spoken against the LORD and you; (K)intercede with the LORD, that He may remove the serpents from us." And Moses interceded for the people. 8Then the LORD said to Moses, "Make a (L)fiery serpent, and set it on a standard; and it shall come about, that everyone who is bitten, when he looks at it, he will live."
9And Moses made a (M)bronze serpent and set it on the standard; and it came about, that if a serpent bit any man, when he looked to the bronze serpent, he lived.
Jesus, a first century Jew himself, would have known that Nicodemus, a first century rabbi, who was a scholar of the scriptures would have immediately known that Jesus was referring directly to this story and known that the fiery serpents represented Judgement and sin and that in order to receive forgiveness and healing, they needed to express their faith that the serpent lifted on the standard could heal them. I kind of butchered this a-bit. However, immediately in Nicodemus’s little mind, he would have understood that Jesus was saying that he would have the authority for mankind to have eternal life if they repented from their sins and believed in him. Also Jesus was informing Nicodemus that He would need to be lifted up on a standard, The cross/crucifixion. What is cool is that in the versus following these, jesus says the verse you asked me about yesterday, John 3:16, 16"For God so (W)loved the world, that He (X)gave His (Y)only begotten Son, that whoever (Z)believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.
There is also the subject of when the documents were written, I don’t want to waste any more of your time. If you are curious come and ask me I can tell you. I hope this helps keep you informed. The scholars out there, especially those in the Jesus seminar are deceiving many many people by misrepresenting what Jesus said. There is a breadth of scholarship about the bible and some of it does not have the best objectivity, including Christians. That is why there is so much debate. If you have any questions, please ask.
“One of the first duties of man is not to be duped, to be aware of his world; and to derive the significance of human experience from events that never occurred is surely an enterprise of doubtful value. To establish the facts is always in order, and is indeed the first duty of the historian; but to suppose that the facts, once established in all their fullness, will ‘speak for themselves’ is an illusion. It was perhaps peculiarly the illusion of those historians of the last century who found some special magic in the word ‘scientific.’ The scientific historian, it seems, was one who set forth the facts without injecting any extraneous meaning into them.”[1]
—Carl Becker (1873–1945)
This is a response i sent to a colleague of mine who sent me an article trying to claim that Christians and non-Christian scholars agree on who Jesus was. Here is the link to the article that my co-worker sent. Below is my "scholarly" response. It is very long so if you don't read it i wont be offended, but this may be of use to you in the future. So in the light of John here it is
Article: Who was Jesus the Man?
What does Jesus Say By Neil Roessler
While I am not calling into question the intentions of the writer of this article I would like to point out some very interesting things for your information about the argument presented by the man being interviewed. It is true that we can agree on a historical Jesus. What is interesting though is that the author or interviewer has chosen a man from the Jesus seminar as the main speaker for his subject. The Jesus Seminar is the main institution calling into question the validity of the Gospels and discerning who really was the man Jesus Christ. What is interesting is that, for many years, they, Just like their Christian counterparts are lacking objective analysis of the subject of Jesus Christ. Notice how their rhetoric is inticing, However, they certainly have omitted much of how Jesus presented himself to the world and particularly the disciples.
Hagerland, making a point about how many of the Gospel stories have been exaggerated says this:
"The reactions as depicted in the Gospels must have been exaggerated because, as far as we can know from historical research, no first-century Jew would have considered the proclamation of forgiveness blasphemous," Hagerland said. "It is far more likely then, that the controversy over Jesus' proclamation of forgiveness is not grounded in an historical exchange, but was brought into the episode for rhetorical purposes."
This is very compelling, except it leaves out any scholarly analysis of Jewish beliefs and what Jesus said. Here is the actual story that Hagerland is referring to:
Mark 2:1-12
1A few days later, when Jesus again entered Capernaum, the people heard that he had come home. 2So many gathered that there was no room left, not even outside the door, and he preached the word to them. 3Some men came, bringing to him a paralytic, carried by four of them. 4Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus and, after digging through it, lowered the mat the paralyzed man was lying on. 5When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "Son, your sins are forgiven."
6Now some teachers of the law were sitting there, thinking to themselves, 7"Why does this fellow talk like that? He's blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?"
8Immediately Jesus knew in his spirit that this was what they were thinking in their hearts, and he said to them, "Why are you thinking these things? 9Which is easier: to say to the paralytic, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Get up, take your mat and walk'? 10But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins . . . ." He said to the paralytic, 11"I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home." 12He got up, took his mat and walked out in full view of them all. This amazed everyone and they praised God, saying, "We have never seen anything like this!"
First off, Hagerland leaves out the fact that Jesus was setting a precedent never before seen by Jewish people. They believed that forgiveness was a part of everyday life. However, for someone to say they had the power to forgive a peoples sins would have been blasphemy to Jews who believe only God can forgive sins. Jesus claiming here that the power had been given to him.
On a similar note, in the gospel of John, the author recalled Jesus’ baptism by John the Baptist. As Jesus entered the area John was baptizing people, he saw Jesus among the crowd and proclaimed, shortly after John baptized Jesus:
29The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, "Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! [John 1:29]
This is another precedent in Jewish culture. This proclamation would never have been heard before. Jews would have been stunned because prior to this, Jews were only used to having their sins be covered. In the Old Testament the sacrifices offered only served to cover the sins of the world. However, john stated that Jesus was “the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” Take away, not just cover. Jews would have been perplexed at this because no one before in history could be said to be able to take away the sins of the world.
The second example that Hagerland uses to support his argument is that Jesus did not consider that he would die for the sins of the world. He also misses that fact that although Jesus was crucified by the authorities, Jesus presented his crucifixion in a different manner. To say his disciples only regarded Jesus death as sacrificial for sins and not Jesus himself shows very poor scholarship. According to the article and the Jesus seminar scholars:
"While crucifixion was a punishment consistent with Roman law during Jesus' time, historians say, the circumstances of Jesus' crucifixion certainly morphed in the decades following his death, according to Borg."
"Historically, Jesus was executed by the authorities - Roman imperial authority in collaboration with high-ranking priestly authority. Historically he did not 'die for the sins of the world,' but he was killed by the powers that ruled his world," Borg said."
However, in John chapter 10 Jesus makes this statement in reference to his crucifixion:
18"(W)No one has taken it away from Me, but I (X)lay it down on My own initiative I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again (Y)This commandment I received from My Father."
To second the fact that Jesus approached the cross knowing exactly what he was doing I want to draw your attention to the verse we were discussing yesterday that is used by the blue cross.
The verse, which is documented as Jesus speaking at the beginning of his ministry, around three years before his crucifixion says this:
John 3:10 10You are Israel's teacher," said Jesus [speaking to a 1st century Jewish leader named Nicodemus, who according to John was at Jesus crucifixion and eventually believed In Jesus], "and do you not understand these things? 11I tell you the truth, we speak of what we know, and we testify to what we have seen, but still you people do not accept our testimony. 12I have spoken to you of earthly things and you do not believe; how then will you believe if I speak of heavenly things? 13No one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven—the Son of Man.[d] 14Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, 15that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life.[e]
The bolded type is a reference to numbers 21. Context of the story is that the Jewish people were sinning against God, so God sent snakes to judge the people. Here is the story
7(J)So the people came to Moses and said, "We have sinned, because we have spoken against the LORD and you; (K)intercede with the LORD, that He may remove the serpents from us." And Moses interceded for the people. 8Then the LORD said to Moses, "Make a (L)fiery serpent, and set it on a standard; and it shall come about, that everyone who is bitten, when he looks at it, he will live."
9And Moses made a (M)bronze serpent and set it on the standard; and it came about, that if a serpent bit any man, when he looked to the bronze serpent, he lived.
Jesus, a first century Jew himself, would have known that Nicodemus, a first century rabbi, who was a scholar of the scriptures would have immediately known that Jesus was referring directly to this story and known that the fiery serpents represented Judgement and sin and that in order to receive forgiveness and healing, they needed to express their faith that the serpent lifted on the standard could heal them. I kind of butchered this a-bit. However, immediately in Nicodemus’s little mind, he would have understood that Jesus was saying that he would have the authority for mankind to have eternal life if they repented from their sins and believed in him. Also Jesus was informing Nicodemus that He would need to be lifted up on a standard, The cross/crucifixion. What is cool is that in the versus following these, jesus says the verse you asked me about yesterday, John 3:16, 16"For God so (W)loved the world, that He (X)gave His (Y)only begotten Son, that whoever (Z)believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.
There is also the subject of when the documents were written, I don’t want to waste any more of your time. If you are curious come and ask me I can tell you. I hope this helps keep you informed. The scholars out there, especially those in the Jesus seminar are deceiving many many people by misrepresenting what Jesus said. There is a breadth of scholarship about the bible and some of it does not have the best objectivity, including Christians. That is why there is so much debate. If you have any questions, please ask.
“One of the first duties of man is not to be duped, to be aware of his world; and to derive the significance of human experience from events that never occurred is surely an enterprise of doubtful value. To establish the facts is always in order, and is indeed the first duty of the historian; but to suppose that the facts, once established in all their fullness, will ‘speak for themselves’ is an illusion. It was perhaps peculiarly the illusion of those historians of the last century who found some special magic in the word ‘scientific.’ The scientific historian, it seems, was one who set forth the facts without injecting any extraneous meaning into them.”[1]
—Carl Becker (1873–1945)
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Mars Hill Church
Hey Guys,
You’ve heard me talk about Mark Driscoll and Mars Hill Church. This is not to be confused with Mars Hill Bible Church led by Rob Bell, the author of Velvet Elvis and considered “emergent.” Keep in mind these terms are hard to define as movements tend to define themselves after they become institutionalized. Our bro Kyle attended Mars Hill in Seattle for the past year and will be back in SB this week!
To that end, I've added a link to a great resource called The Resurgence. Check it out yo. Below is some additional info you will find useful.
Mark Driscoll is the co-founding Pastor of Mars Hill Church in Seattle, WA. Driscoll, in sermons, has claimed to be "Emerging" or "Emerging Reformed" but not "Emergent."
Here is his description of his association with, and eventual distancing from the Emergent Church movement. The following YouTube videos are worth viewing for further clarification of the terms:
In the mid-1990s I was part of what is now known as the Emerging Church and spent some time traveling the country to speak on the emerging church in the emerging culture on a team put together by Leadership Network called the Young Leader Network. But, I eventually had to distance myself from the Emergent stream of the network because friends like Brian McLaren and Doug Pagitt began pushing a theological agenda that greatly troubled me. Examples include referring to God as a chick, questioning God's sovereignty over and knowledge of the future, denial of the substitutionary atonement at the cross, a low view of Scripture, and denial of hell which is one hell of a mistake.
Rob Bell is the founding Pastor of Mars Hill Bible Church in Grand Rapids, MI.
In his writings, Bell affirms things as truth regardless of the source, saying "I affirm the truth anywhere in any religious system, in any worldview. If it's true, it belongs to God." Rob Bell suggested the virgin birth was not essential to the Christian faith in Velvet Elvis: Repainting the Christian Faith, on one page (26), while confirming it on the next (27), and seemed to question the doctrine of sola scriptura on one page (67-68), while affirming it on the next (69).
Rob Bell, Velvet Elvis: Repainting the Christian Faith, Zondervan, 2005
You’ve heard me talk about Mark Driscoll and Mars Hill Church. This is not to be confused with Mars Hill Bible Church led by Rob Bell, the author of Velvet Elvis and considered “emergent.” Keep in mind these terms are hard to define as movements tend to define themselves after they become institutionalized. Our bro Kyle attended Mars Hill in Seattle for the past year and will be back in SB this week!
To that end, I've added a link to a great resource called The Resurgence. Check it out yo. Below is some additional info you will find useful.
Mark Driscoll is the co-founding Pastor of Mars Hill Church in Seattle, WA. Driscoll, in sermons, has claimed to be "Emerging" or "Emerging Reformed" but not "Emergent."
Here is his description of his association with, and eventual distancing from the Emergent Church movement. The following YouTube videos are worth viewing for further clarification of the terms:
In the mid-1990s I was part of what is now known as the Emerging Church and spent some time traveling the country to speak on the emerging church in the emerging culture on a team put together by Leadership Network called the Young Leader Network. But, I eventually had to distance myself from the Emergent stream of the network because friends like Brian McLaren and Doug Pagitt began pushing a theological agenda that greatly troubled me. Examples include referring to God as a chick, questioning God's sovereignty over and knowledge of the future, denial of the substitutionary atonement at the cross, a low view of Scripture, and denial of hell which is one hell of a mistake.
Rob Bell is the founding Pastor of Mars Hill Bible Church in Grand Rapids, MI.
In his writings, Bell affirms things as truth regardless of the source, saying "I affirm the truth anywhere in any religious system, in any worldview. If it's true, it belongs to God." Rob Bell suggested the virgin birth was not essential to the Christian faith in Velvet Elvis: Repainting the Christian Faith, on one page (26), while confirming it on the next (27), and seemed to question the doctrine of sola scriptura on one page (67-68), while affirming it on the next (69).
Rob Bell, Velvet Elvis: Repainting the Christian Faith, Zondervan, 2005
Woman at the Well
Hey Guys,
Here's a YouTube contemporary version of the woman at the well. Where is Jesus encountering you?
Here's a YouTube contemporary version of the woman at the well. Where is Jesus encountering you?
Monday, March 30, 2009
God vs. Science
This was sent to my facebook and got a kick out of it
" THINK AS YOU READ THIS"
God vs. Science
This is awesome and well worth the read!! Great thought processes!
Excellent explanation!
The science professor begins his school year with a lecture to the students, 'Let me explain the problem science has with religion.' The atheist professor of philosophy pauses before his class and then asks one of his new students to stand.
'You're a Christian, aren't you, son?'
'Yes sir,' the student says.
So you believe in God?'
'Absolutely.'
'Is God good?'
'Sure! God's good.'
'Is God all-powerful? Can God do anything?'
'Yes.'
'Are you good or evil?'
'The Bible says I'm evil.'
The professor grins knowingly. 'Aha! The Bible!' He considers for a moment.
'Here's one for you. Let's say there's a sick person over here and you can cure him. You can do it. Would you help him? Would you try?'
'Yes sir, I would.'
'So you're good...!'
'I wouldn't say that.'
But why not say that? You'd help a sick and maimed person if you could. Most of us would if we could. But God doesn't.'
The student does not answer, so the professor continues. 'He doesn't, does he? My brother was a Christian who died of cancer, even though he prayed to Jesus to heal him. How is this Jesus good? Hmmm? Can you answer that one?'
The student remains silent.
'No, you can't, can you?' the professor says. He takes a sip of water from a glass on his desk to give the student time to relax.
'Let's start again, young fella. Is God good?'
'Er...yes,' the student says.
'Is Satan good?'
The student doesn't hesitate on this one. 'No.'
'Then where does Satan come from?'
The student falters. 'From God'
'That's right. God made Satan, didn't he? Tell me, son. Is there evil in this world?'
Yes, sir.'
Evil's everywhere, isn't it? And God did make everything, correct?'
'Yes.'
'So who created evil?' The professor continued, 'If God created everything, then God created evil, since evil exists, and according to the principle that our works define who we are, then God is evil.'
Again, the student has no answer. 'Is there sickness? Immorality? Hatred? Ugliness? All these terrible things, do they exist in this world?'
The student squirms on his feet. 'Yes'
'So who created them?'
The student does not answer again, so the professor repeats his question. 'Who created them?' There is still no answer. Suddenly the lecturer breaks away to pace in front of the classroom. The class is mesmerized. 'Tell me,' he continues onto another student. 'Do you believe in Jesus Christ, son?'
The student's voice betrays him and cracks. 'Yes, professor, I do.'
The old man stops pacing. 'Science says you have five senses you use to identify and observe the world around you. Have you ever seen Jesus?'
No sir. I've never seen Him.'
'Then tell us if you've ever heard your Jesus?'
'No, sir, I have not.'
'Have you ever felt your Jesus, tasted your Jesus or smelt your Jesus? Have you ever had any sensory perception of Jesus Christ, or God for that matter?'
'No, sir, I'm afraid I haven't.'
'Yet you still believe in him?'
'Yes.'
'According to the rules of empirical, testable, demonstrable protocol, science says your God doesn't exist. What do you say to that, son?'
'Nothing,' the student replies. 'I only have my faith.'
Yes, faith,' the professor repeats. 'And that is the problem science has with God. There is no evidence, only faith.'
The student stands quietly for a moment, before asking a question of his own. 'Professor, is there such thing as heat?'
'Yes,' the professor replies. 'There's heat.'
And is there such a thing as cold?'
'Yes, son, there's cold too.'
'No sir, there isn't.'
The professor turns to face the student, obviously interested. The room suddenly becomes very quiet. The student begins to explain. 'You can have lots of heat, even more heat, super-heat, mega-heat, unlimited heat, white heat, a little heat or no heat, but we don't have anything called 'cold'. We can reach up to 458 degrees below zero, which is no heat, but we can't go any further after that. There is no such thing as cold; otherwise we would be able to go colder than the lowest -458 degrees..'
'Everybody or object is susceptible to study when it has or transmits energy, and heat is what makes a body or matter have or transmit energy. Absolute zero (-458 F) is the total absence of heat. You see, sir, cold is only a word we use to describe the absence of heat. We cannot measure cold; Heat we can measure in thermal units because heat is energy. Cold is not the opposite of heat, sir, just the absence of it.'
Silence across the room. A pen drops somewhere in the classroom, sounding like a hammer.
'What about darkness, professor. Is there such a thing as darkness?'
'Yes,' the professor replies without hesitation 'What is night if it isn't darkness?'
'You're wrong again, sir. Darkness is not something; it is the absence of something. You can have low light, normal light, bright light, flashing light, but if you have no light constantly you have nothing and it's called darkness, isn't it? That's the meaning we use to define the word.'
'In reality, darkness isn't. If it were, you would be able to make darkness darker, wouldn't you?'
The professor begins to smile at the student in front of him. This will be a good semester. 'So what point are you making, young man?'
'Yes, professor. My point is, your philosophical premise is flawed to start with, and so your conclusion must also be flawed.'
The professor's face cannot hide his surprise this time. 'Flawed? Can you explain how?'
'You are working on the premise of duality,' the student explains. 'You argue that there is life and then there's death; a good God and a bad God. You are viewing the concept of God as something finite, something we can measure. Sir, science can't even explain a thought.'
'It uses electricity and magnetism, but has never seen, much less fully understood either one. To view death as the opposite of life is to be ignorant of the fact that death cannot exist as a substantive thing. Death is not the opposite of life, just the absence of it.'
'Now tell me, professor. Do you teach your students that they evolved from a monkey?'
'If you are referring to the natural evolutionary process, young man, yes, of course I do.'
'Have you ever observed evolution with your own eyes, sir?'
The professor begins to shake his head, still smiling, as he realizes where the argument is going. A very good semester, indeed.
'Since no one has ever observed the process of evolution at work and cannot even prove that t his process is an on-going endeavor, are you not teaching your opinion, sir? Are you now not a scientist, but a preacher?'
he class is in uproar. The student remains silent until the commotion has subsided.
'To continue the point you were making earlier to the other student, let me give you an example of what I mean.'
The student looks around the room. 'Is there anyone in the class who has ever seen the professor's brain?' The class breaks out into laughter.
'Is there anyone here who has ever heard the professor's brain, felt the professor's brain, touched or smelt the professor's brain? No one appears to have done so. So, according to the established rules of empirical, stable, demonstrable protocol, science says that you have no brain; with all due respect, sir.'
'So if science says you have no brain, how can we trust your lectures, sir?'
Now the room is silent. The professor just stares at the student, his face unreadable.
Finally, after what seems an eternity, the old man answers. 'I guess you'll have to take them on faith.'
'Now, you accept that there is faith, and, in fact, faith exists with life,' the student continues. 'Now, sir, is there such a thing as evil?'
Now uncertain, the professor responds, 'Of course, there is. We see it every day. It is in the daily example of man's inhumanity to man. It is in the multitude of crime and violence everywhere in the world. These manifestations are nothing else but evil.'
To this the student replied, 'Evil does not exist sir, or at least it does not exist unto itself. Evil is simply the absence of God. It is just like darkness and cold, a word that man has created to describe the absence of God. God did not create evil. Evil is the result of what happens when man does not have God's love present in his heart. It's like the cold that comes when there is no heat or the darkness that comes when there is no light.'
The professor sat down.
Charles
" THINK AS YOU READ THIS"
God vs. Science
This is awesome and well worth the read!! Great thought processes!
Excellent explanation!
The science professor begins his school year with a lecture to the students, 'Let me explain the problem science has with religion.' The atheist professor of philosophy pauses before his class and then asks one of his new students to stand.
'You're a Christian, aren't you, son?'
'Yes sir,' the student says.
So you believe in God?'
'Absolutely.'
'Is God good?'
'Sure! God's good.'
'Is God all-powerful? Can God do anything?'
'Yes.'
'Are you good or evil?'
'The Bible says I'm evil.'
The professor grins knowingly. 'Aha! The Bible!' He considers for a moment.
'Here's one for you. Let's say there's a sick person over here and you can cure him. You can do it. Would you help him? Would you try?'
'Yes sir, I would.'
'So you're good...!'
'I wouldn't say that.'
But why not say that? You'd help a sick and maimed person if you could. Most of us would if we could. But God doesn't.'
The student does not answer, so the professor continues. 'He doesn't, does he? My brother was a Christian who died of cancer, even though he prayed to Jesus to heal him. How is this Jesus good? Hmmm? Can you answer that one?'
The student remains silent.
'No, you can't, can you?' the professor says. He takes a sip of water from a glass on his desk to give the student time to relax.
'Let's start again, young fella. Is God good?'
'Er...yes,' the student says.
'Is Satan good?'
The student doesn't hesitate on this one. 'No.'
'Then where does Satan come from?'
The student falters. 'From God'
'That's right. God made Satan, didn't he? Tell me, son. Is there evil in this world?'
Yes, sir.'
Evil's everywhere, isn't it? And God did make everything, correct?'
'Yes.'
'So who created evil?' The professor continued, 'If God created everything, then God created evil, since evil exists, and according to the principle that our works define who we are, then God is evil.'
Again, the student has no answer. 'Is there sickness? Immorality? Hatred? Ugliness? All these terrible things, do they exist in this world?'
The student squirms on his feet. 'Yes'
'So who created them?'
The student does not answer again, so the professor repeats his question. 'Who created them?' There is still no answer. Suddenly the lecturer breaks away to pace in front of the classroom. The class is mesmerized. 'Tell me,' he continues onto another student. 'Do you believe in Jesus Christ, son?'
The student's voice betrays him and cracks. 'Yes, professor, I do.'
The old man stops pacing. 'Science says you have five senses you use to identify and observe the world around you. Have you ever seen Jesus?'
No sir. I've never seen Him.'
'Then tell us if you've ever heard your Jesus?'
'No, sir, I have not.'
'Have you ever felt your Jesus, tasted your Jesus or smelt your Jesus? Have you ever had any sensory perception of Jesus Christ, or God for that matter?'
'No, sir, I'm afraid I haven't.'
'Yet you still believe in him?'
'Yes.'
'According to the rules of empirical, testable, demonstrable protocol, science says your God doesn't exist. What do you say to that, son?'
'Nothing,' the student replies. 'I only have my faith.'
Yes, faith,' the professor repeats. 'And that is the problem science has with God. There is no evidence, only faith.'
The student stands quietly for a moment, before asking a question of his own. 'Professor, is there such thing as heat?'
'Yes,' the professor replies. 'There's heat.'
And is there such a thing as cold?'
'Yes, son, there's cold too.'
'No sir, there isn't.'
The professor turns to face the student, obviously interested. The room suddenly becomes very quiet. The student begins to explain. 'You can have lots of heat, even more heat, super-heat, mega-heat, unlimited heat, white heat, a little heat or no heat, but we don't have anything called 'cold'. We can reach up to 458 degrees below zero, which is no heat, but we can't go any further after that. There is no such thing as cold; otherwise we would be able to go colder than the lowest -458 degrees..'
'Everybody or object is susceptible to study when it has or transmits energy, and heat is what makes a body or matter have or transmit energy. Absolute zero (-458 F) is the total absence of heat. You see, sir, cold is only a word we use to describe the absence of heat. We cannot measure cold; Heat we can measure in thermal units because heat is energy. Cold is not the opposite of heat, sir, just the absence of it.'
Silence across the room. A pen drops somewhere in the classroom, sounding like a hammer.
'What about darkness, professor. Is there such a thing as darkness?'
'Yes,' the professor replies without hesitation 'What is night if it isn't darkness?'
'You're wrong again, sir. Darkness is not something; it is the absence of something. You can have low light, normal light, bright light, flashing light, but if you have no light constantly you have nothing and it's called darkness, isn't it? That's the meaning we use to define the word.'
'In reality, darkness isn't. If it were, you would be able to make darkness darker, wouldn't you?'
The professor begins to smile at the student in front of him. This will be a good semester. 'So what point are you making, young man?'
'Yes, professor. My point is, your philosophical premise is flawed to start with, and so your conclusion must also be flawed.'
The professor's face cannot hide his surprise this time. 'Flawed? Can you explain how?'
'You are working on the premise of duality,' the student explains. 'You argue that there is life and then there's death; a good God and a bad God. You are viewing the concept of God as something finite, something we can measure. Sir, science can't even explain a thought.'
'It uses electricity and magnetism, but has never seen, much less fully understood either one. To view death as the opposite of life is to be ignorant of the fact that death cannot exist as a substantive thing. Death is not the opposite of life, just the absence of it.'
'Now tell me, professor. Do you teach your students that they evolved from a monkey?'
'If you are referring to the natural evolutionary process, young man, yes, of course I do.'
'Have you ever observed evolution with your own eyes, sir?'
The professor begins to shake his head, still smiling, as he realizes where the argument is going. A very good semester, indeed.
'Since no one has ever observed the process of evolution at work and cannot even prove that t his process is an on-going endeavor, are you not teaching your opinion, sir? Are you now not a scientist, but a preacher?'
he class is in uproar. The student remains silent until the commotion has subsided.
'To continue the point you were making earlier to the other student, let me give you an example of what I mean.'
The student looks around the room. 'Is there anyone in the class who has ever seen the professor's brain?' The class breaks out into laughter.
'Is there anyone here who has ever heard the professor's brain, felt the professor's brain, touched or smelt the professor's brain? No one appears to have done so. So, according to the established rules of empirical, stable, demonstrable protocol, science says that you have no brain; with all due respect, sir.'
'So if science says you have no brain, how can we trust your lectures, sir?'
Now the room is silent. The professor just stares at the student, his face unreadable.
Finally, after what seems an eternity, the old man answers. 'I guess you'll have to take them on faith.'
'Now, you accept that there is faith, and, in fact, faith exists with life,' the student continues. 'Now, sir, is there such a thing as evil?'
Now uncertain, the professor responds, 'Of course, there is. We see it every day. It is in the daily example of man's inhumanity to man. It is in the multitude of crime and violence everywhere in the world. These manifestations are nothing else but evil.'
To this the student replied, 'Evil does not exist sir, or at least it does not exist unto itself. Evil is simply the absence of God. It is just like darkness and cold, a word that man has created to describe the absence of God. God did not create evil. Evil is the result of what happens when man does not have God's love present in his heart. It's like the cold that comes when there is no heat or the darkness that comes when there is no light.'
The professor sat down.
Charles
Friday, March 27, 2009
The Doctrine of Perfectionism
Men,
Lazo nailed this topic at Adorn. You can also check out his sermon notes if you don't want to listen to the whole teaching but it's worthwhile.
The Doctrine of Perfectionsm
Even so, don't just take his word for it and be a Berean and study the word for yourself. Use your reason and ask God to give you wisdom.
Don't give up and don't give in. Love you guys.
tarik
Lazo nailed this topic at Adorn. You can also check out his sermon notes if you don't want to listen to the whole teaching but it's worthwhile.
The Doctrine of Perfectionsm
Even so, don't just take his word for it and be a Berean and study the word for yourself. Use your reason and ask God to give you wisdom.
Don't give up and don't give in. Love you guys.
tarik
Does Satan Exist?
Gents,
This is a debate that was held at the church Brittney and I attend. Our pastor was one of the debators. It was between him, Depak Chopra (the leading New Age guru), a former pastor who now says that Satan and hell don't exist. There's also a former prositute turned christian who now leads a ministry to save prostitutes from off the streets.
Gnarly debate, and really heart-wrenching to watch. It's more sad than anything to see so many people buying into the ideas of Depak Chopra and self-realization. They don't know anything of Jesus, and so, they have no hope in this life or the next. You can check out the whole debate at abcnews.com. There's a video link in the top right hand corner of the page titled "Nightline Face-Off".
If you just want to see the abreviated version, check out www.marshillchurch.org. It's on the main page.
We all have some work to do for the Kingdom. It's not about us. It's about God's glory and going into the places and relationships nobody wants to, but that he calls us to. Jesus' light shines brightest in the darkest places. I love you boys. Looking forward to seeing you.
Kyle
This is a debate that was held at the church Brittney and I attend. Our pastor was one of the debators. It was between him, Depak Chopra (the leading New Age guru), a former pastor who now says that Satan and hell don't exist. There's also a former prositute turned christian who now leads a ministry to save prostitutes from off the streets.
Gnarly debate, and really heart-wrenching to watch. It's more sad than anything to see so many people buying into the ideas of Depak Chopra and self-realization. They don't know anything of Jesus, and so, they have no hope in this life or the next. You can check out the whole debate at abcnews.com. There's a video link in the top right hand corner of the page titled "Nightline Face-Off".
If you just want to see the abreviated version, check out www.marshillchurch.org. It's on the main page.
We all have some work to do for the Kingdom. It's not about us. It's about God's glory and going into the places and relationships nobody wants to, but that he calls us to. Jesus' light shines brightest in the darkest places. I love you boys. Looking forward to seeing you.
Kyle
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Listen Up!
Men,
Last night was such a great time with the Lord. Thank you Phil for bringing it all nitty gritty tellin us we have to be humble. Bam!! just like that.
Guys a few things that were brought up we need to remember:
Philippians 2:
3Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; 4do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. 5Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus,6who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped,7but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men 8Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
Lets all act on the things we learned and apply it to our lives. Next week we will spend some time to share any nuggets we learned this week about humility. As men we are going to battle this so lets take up our cross and follow Jesus. Remember we arent getting together as a bunch of messed up fools so that we can just talk but "the one who says he abides in JESUS ought himself to walk in the same manner as JESUS walked."
God Bless,
-N
Last night was such a great time with the Lord. Thank you Phil for bringing it all nitty gritty tellin us we have to be humble. Bam!! just like that.
Guys a few things that were brought up we need to remember:
Philippians 2:
3Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; 4do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. 5Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus,6who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped,7but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men 8Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
Lets all act on the things we learned and apply it to our lives. Next week we will spend some time to share any nuggets we learned this week about humility. As men we are going to battle this so lets take up our cross and follow Jesus. Remember we arent getting together as a bunch of messed up fools so that we can just talk but "the one who says he abides in JESUS ought himself to walk in the same manner as JESUS walked."
God Bless,
-N
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Found this amazing website
You guys have to check it out. You can buy Christian Books and resources. It has a section of book on US christian history as well.
I just found it so i havnt been able to look through everything. but the articles section seems pretty awesome with some relevant discussion about Christians and Politics etc.
I just found it so i havnt been able to look through everything. but the articles section seems pretty awesome with some relevant discussion about Christians and Politics etc.
American Vision
Check it out and have fun! Love you guys!
N.
Ive been browsing the website for the past week and have found a few issues with the theology of the proponents.
1.) They are Preterists meaning the Second coming of Christ was fulfilled at 70AD
2.) They dont necessarily speak out of humility and love.
Although, there are these two issues that i found, i have been reading their articles still and find them
very insightful into the discussion of developing a christian world view!
With that said, I advise caution. It is still the best resource i have found that is discussing politics and
Christianity but the guys running the show have different eschatology views than we do.
Neil
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Must Walk as Jesus Walked
Men,
I have been asking more and more lately what it truly means to walk as jesus walked. It is not easy to discern in our global Geo-political world how Jesus might have lived. God is slowly revealing more and more to me about the truth about Jesus. I found this article titled Mercy Triumphs over Judgement.
This article supports some of the questions that have been entering my mind about what it truly means to follow Jesus and brings some relevant and necessary application to our lives.
One of my favorite quotes from the article is this:
"Day after day, a loving Creator looks down on a broken planet longing for the day when the object of His affection will walk hand in hand with Him into indescribable beauty in the halls of eternity. In the meantime, the destruction continues, not because God is angry with man, but rather because men choose to kill, steal and destroy. This is the fruit of those who have chosen the wrong lover (satan)."
Another is this:
"Prayer is the bridge between what should be and what will be. The diligent prayer of a righteous people will ultimately determine the destiny of our children."
Check it out, It is a bit long but only about 5-10 minutes to get through.
Love you guys,
N
I have been asking more and more lately what it truly means to walk as jesus walked. It is not easy to discern in our global Geo-political world how Jesus might have lived. God is slowly revealing more and more to me about the truth about Jesus. I found this article titled Mercy Triumphs over Judgement.
This article supports some of the questions that have been entering my mind about what it truly means to follow Jesus and brings some relevant and necessary application to our lives.
One of my favorite quotes from the article is this:
"Day after day, a loving Creator looks down on a broken planet longing for the day when the object of His affection will walk hand in hand with Him into indescribable beauty in the halls of eternity. In the meantime, the destruction continues, not because God is angry with man, but rather because men choose to kill, steal and destroy. This is the fruit of those who have chosen the wrong lover (satan)."
Another is this:
"Prayer is the bridge between what should be and what will be. The diligent prayer of a righteous people will ultimately determine the destiny of our children."
Check it out, It is a bit long but only about 5-10 minutes to get through.
Love you guys,
N
Monday, February 23, 2009
Let Thy Will Be Done
Hey again Gents,
It's Kyle writing from the rainy pacific northwest. So remember when you guys all prayed for me when I heard God call me to leave my last job and move on up to Seattle? Well, the time has come again for a huge prayer request. About a year and a half since then, and now with a wife and a baby on the way, He has called our family to step out of comfort and "security". Just last night, after praying long and hard to get my heart in the same place as God's, I made the decision to move us back down to the Santa Barbara area.
I am going to tell my boss today. I'm thinking I will be up here with a job for another month or so, but I'm not really sure. The nature of this move is pretty scary because we don't have any job/housing plans, and we have a baby due in September. But I feel an awesome peace in making this decision. It seems nuts that God would call us to this, with things so up in the air, but it really is exciting!
If anything else, I just wanted to share this with you guys as a praise to God's faithfulness and love. Even though nothing has happened yet, I know He'll provide in the most radical and unexpected ways. The faith series has really pushed Brittney and I to trust God with all of our lives. They're not even our own, and we've realized we have no right to guard them from the God who gave them to us in the first place. He's so good, and we really believe this is His will for us right now. We could definately use your guys' prayer during this big transition. Mostly for strength to follow him joyously throughout the journey and not get bitter and complainy like the Israelites in the desert. We want to really glorify him and be thankful for what we DO have. Other than that, prayer for protection from Satan and any of his attacks. Jesus is the answer and his word is the sword - pray for us to wield it well like fearless warriors.
Thanks guys. I miss seeing you all, but by God's grace, we will hopefully see you all soon. Love you guys,
Kyle
It's Kyle writing from the rainy pacific northwest. So remember when you guys all prayed for me when I heard God call me to leave my last job and move on up to Seattle? Well, the time has come again for a huge prayer request. About a year and a half since then, and now with a wife and a baby on the way, He has called our family to step out of comfort and "security". Just last night, after praying long and hard to get my heart in the same place as God's, I made the decision to move us back down to the Santa Barbara area.
I am going to tell my boss today. I'm thinking I will be up here with a job for another month or so, but I'm not really sure. The nature of this move is pretty scary because we don't have any job/housing plans, and we have a baby due in September. But I feel an awesome peace in making this decision. It seems nuts that God would call us to this, with things so up in the air, but it really is exciting!
If anything else, I just wanted to share this with you guys as a praise to God's faithfulness and love. Even though nothing has happened yet, I know He'll provide in the most radical and unexpected ways. The faith series has really pushed Brittney and I to trust God with all of our lives. They're not even our own, and we've realized we have no right to guard them from the God who gave them to us in the first place. He's so good, and we really believe this is His will for us right now. We could definately use your guys' prayer during this big transition. Mostly for strength to follow him joyously throughout the journey and not get bitter and complainy like the Israelites in the desert. We want to really glorify him and be thankful for what we DO have. Other than that, prayer for protection from Satan and any of his attacks. Jesus is the answer and his word is the sword - pray for us to wield it well like fearless warriors.
Thanks guys. I miss seeing you all, but by God's grace, we will hopefully see you all soon. Love you guys,
Kyle
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Apologetics Conference Calvary Chapel, SB 2/7/09
Hey guys I already invited my homegroup and now I'm extending this invitation to you all to tell you about an Apologetics Conference happening at Calvary Chapel on Saturday, February 7th at 9:00AM!
Apologetics, as most of you know, means "defense of the faith", and it is a part of what we as Christians are called to be able to do, Jude 3, 1 Peter 2:15, Colossians 4:5-6, Titus 1:9, 2 Timothy4:2.
The Conference goes on till about 3:00 I think, but I'm only going for one lecture at 9:00. Greg Koukl (www.str.org) will be speaking on the topic of "Has God Spoken". This guy is one of my favorite apologists working today. He has a weekly radio show in which he responds to listener questions in a scholarly, yet very understandable, way. I can guarantee that you'll be equipped if you come. The Lord wants us to expand in the knowledge of Him and His will, Colossians 1:9, and these kinds of conferences are one of many ways to do that.
So if you want to come, meet us there OR(!) meet us at a nearby coffee shop (message me and I'll let you know where, 'cause I don't know yet) at 8 am, and we'll have coffee and fellowship for an hour before the event.
I REALLY encourage you all to make it. I know it's super last-minute, but c'mon...who's really got plans on a Saturday morning before 10 aM?!
Hope to hear from you!
Jason
PS. Don't forget to hit me up about the coffee!!!!!!!
Apologetics, as most of you know, means "defense of the faith", and it is a part of what we as Christians are called to be able to do, Jude 3, 1 Peter 2:15, Colossians 4:5-6, Titus 1:9, 2 Timothy4:2.
The Conference goes on till about 3:00 I think, but I'm only going for one lecture at 9:00. Greg Koukl (www.str.org) will be speaking on the topic of "Has God Spoken". This guy is one of my favorite apologists working today. He has a weekly radio show in which he responds to listener questions in a scholarly, yet very understandable, way. I can guarantee that you'll be equipped if you come. The Lord wants us to expand in the knowledge of Him and His will, Colossians 1:9, and these kinds of conferences are one of many ways to do that.
So if you want to come, meet us there OR(!) meet us at a nearby coffee shop (message me and I'll let you know where, 'cause I don't know yet) at 8 am, and we'll have coffee and fellowship for an hour before the event.
I REALLY encourage you all to make it. I know it's super last-minute, but c'mon...who's really got plans on a Saturday morning before 10 aM?!
Hope to hear from you!
Jason
PS. Don't forget to hit me up about the coffee!!!!!!!
Monday, February 2, 2009
Water into Wine.
Jesus' first miracle, and four thousand years later he does them among us still. Have you ever seen one? Sean will be teaching tonite and Devon and Pat will be guiding us into the throne room of Grace. Come at 6:40 to pray or 7:00 to be fed and be blessed and bless others with your presence. Listenup! Bring a friend. See you soon!!!
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Confrontation
As leaders we will all face confrontation. In the book of Corinthians, Paul was forced to confront several problems. If I were in his shoes, I would have come packing mad bombs accompanied by a fresh verbal assault of what they need to do. But when we stray off course and others speak into our lives, we need to find something to affirm in the person we are trying to correct--in love.
The 101% principle is finding the 1% you can affirm and giving it 100% attention. Paul practiced this and demonstrated that affirmation comes before confrontation. Good leaders look for the good in people and affirm it. Only then do they address the problem.
-tarik
Monday, January 19, 2009
'08 was great but '09 will be...
Men,
What does your year look like so far? Have you decided to follow Jesus? Don't be a wuss and punk out. Come tonight but please leave your masks at the door. Or bring them in and we can burn them in the fireplace as a sin offering to the Lord.
tarik
Monday, January 12, 2009
Dominic Balli Video
Hey Guys,
We're meeting at Reality tonight at 7 for a night of fun shooting Dom's video. Represent.
tarik
Thursday, January 8, 2009
It's Been Way Too Long
Howdy Gentlemen,
This is Kyle Crooks reporting in from the dark and gloomy corner of the US known as Seattle. I can't believe it's been this long since last checking in with you guys, but I definitely have some big news and things happening.
Around Christmas time, Brittney and I had been in prayer about our future as a family and what Jesus had for us. Through all of it, he brought both of our hearts to hear his call of moving back to California! I am in the process of looking for jobs. It's funny. I remember last year telling all of you guys about leaving my job and you were all for it. hahaha. After seeing me through prayer and searching you all showed yourselves to have true hearts of Jesus and being the rad brothers that you are. If you guys would pray for our family in this time, I'd really appreciate it. We are looking to move down as soon as possible, but there are a few bigger factors that play into this...
...like the fact that Brittney is pregnant!!! We found out on Christmas morning. Oh my gosh, it is so crazy! But we are so stoked to have such a huge blessing! If you guys could be in prayer for the health of Brittney and the baby, that would be HUGE! She is throwing up everyday and feeling really bad. But it's kind of funny too, especially because each time after she does, she says, "Thanks a lot Eve. I'm so happy I have this horrible nausea because of the fall." Hahaha. I can't do anything but laugh.
Anyways, I love you guys a ton, and really miss meeting up every week. I hope there's still a spot on the floor that I can camp out on every monday night. Let me know how you're all doing and we will definately have to be in touch. Later on men.
Peace & Love,
Kyle
This is Kyle Crooks reporting in from the dark and gloomy corner of the US known as Seattle. I can't believe it's been this long since last checking in with you guys, but I definitely have some big news and things happening.
Around Christmas time, Brittney and I had been in prayer about our future as a family and what Jesus had for us. Through all of it, he brought both of our hearts to hear his call of moving back to California! I am in the process of looking for jobs. It's funny. I remember last year telling all of you guys about leaving my job and you were all for it. hahaha. After seeing me through prayer and searching you all showed yourselves to have true hearts of Jesus and being the rad brothers that you are. If you guys would pray for our family in this time, I'd really appreciate it. We are looking to move down as soon as possible, but there are a few bigger factors that play into this...
...like the fact that Brittney is pregnant!!! We found out on Christmas morning. Oh my gosh, it is so crazy! But we are so stoked to have such a huge blessing! If you guys could be in prayer for the health of Brittney and the baby, that would be HUGE! She is throwing up everyday and feeling really bad. But it's kind of funny too, especially because each time after she does, she says, "Thanks a lot Eve. I'm so happy I have this horrible nausea because of the fall." Hahaha. I can't do anything but laugh.
Anyways, I love you guys a ton, and really miss meeting up every week. I hope there's still a spot on the floor that I can camp out on every monday night. Let me know how you're all doing and we will definately have to be in touch. Later on men.
Peace & Love,
Kyle
Monday, January 5, 2009
Back at it!!
Guys, I hope that you all had a sweet vacation. I know we are stoked about getting back together. Tonite at Tarik's at 7:00 we will be meeting as usual and if you want to come around 6:40 to pray, do it! This is a good time to reach out to any friend who has never come or someone who has and encourage them to enter into some Godly fellowship. Can't wait to see you all. TG
Monday, December 29, 2008
Worship at John Michael's Tonite
Guys, there will be no official Listenup tonite. However, for those who are around, John Michael is hosting a worship night. His address is: 345 Kellogg Way #21, Goleta, CA 93117 It is behind the Hampton Inn. It will be at seven o'clock. Bring your heart and vocal chords to sing to the Lord!
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Christmas Trivia
Hey Guys,
A couple of weeks ago we had a moment of Christmas trivia and one of the questions was: "What's a yule tide log?" We got as far as identifying that a yule is a type of tree. According to Wikipedia, a Yule is "a large log which is burned in the hearth as a part of traditional Yule or Christmas celebrations in some cultures." (Wikipedia)
Historically, the Yule log has frequently been associated with German pagan origins. Wikipedia continues, "Robert Chambers in his 1832 Book of Days notes that Two popular observances belonging to Christmas are more especially derived from the worship of our pagan ancestors—the hanging up of the mistletoe and the burning of the Yule log. James George Frazer in The Golden Bough (p. 736) holds that "the ancient fire-festival of the winter solstice appears to survive" in the Yule log custom."
So what's the deal with burning the log?
Tammuz, the son of Nimrod and his queen, Semiramis, was identified with the Babylonian Sun God and worshipped following the winter solstice, on about December 22-23. Tammuz was thought to have died during the winter solstice, and was memorialized by burning a log in the fireplace. (The Chaldean word for "infant" is yule. This is the origin of the yule log.) His rebirth was celebrated by replacing the log with a trimmed tree the next morning.
For more cool origins of Christmas info. check out Koinonia House
Do your homework. Don't take my word for it. Be like a Berean!!
tarik
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Monday, December 15, 2008
Thursday, December 11, 2008
What do you think about Christmas?
Below are 2 links.
One of them is an article from the Daily Mail in the UK. Can you imagine what would happen if this was published in an American newspaper? Granted, this man is a known "hate-preacher" but what do other "normal" people think about Christmas? The other link is to blogs about Jesus birth. You may find some of them interesting...remember it's always important to understand why people believe what they believe. Why do you believe?
Psalm 1:3 He shall be like a tree Planted by the rivers of water, That brings forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also shall not wither; And whatever he does shall prosper.
www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1093414/Christmas-pathway-hell-Muslim-lawyers-extraordinary-rant-evil-celebration.html?ITO=1490
http://wordpress.com/tag/jesus-birth/
Merry Christmas. Read all of Luke Chapter 2.
tarik
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Keeping your "Ship" on course...
Hey Guys,
Just wanted to follow up on Monday’s discussion after everyone shared whether or not their “Ship”, so to speak, was on course. Navigating the direction of a ship is controlled by the rudder which is connected to the Mariner’s wheel. We can associate each spoke of the Mariner’s wheel with our Christian walk:
Word – are you reading and studying your Bible?
Prayer – I John 5:14-15
Worship – it’s what we’re gonna do in heaven so you better practice now!
Witnessing – Who puts a lamp under a basket? Let your light shine before other men.
Giving – For God so loved the world He gave His only Son…
Fellowship –Heb 10:24-25; besides, even the Lone Ranger had Tonto.
So, one of the questions was: How do we get our ship back on course when our hearts have been hardened? How do we make a wrong, right again whether we are on the giving or receiving end of the matter?
Before everyone showed up that night, John Michael shared with me how he noticed that God’s voice during Israel’s disobedience became clearer and louder through His prophets Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Isaiah and all of the Minor Prophets. The message: repent. This was also how John the Baptist and Jesus began their ministry and is clearly a recurring message throughout the Bible.
So what does repentance look like in real life? I thought about you married men and your wives. I pictured each one of you “repenting” to them. I thought of the single men and how we are “married” to the Lord and pictured what would be spoken. Repentance looks like this:
I’m sorry. I love you. Forgive me.
Whatever you shared Monday night, bring it to the Lord and repent. Remember David in Psalm 51? He stated that he sinned against God and God alone regarding his sin with Bathsheba. How could this be given that he also committed murder? We are all God’s creation and He has invested resources in each and every one of us. How we use those resources He gave us is up to us. Go to your wife and repent. Go to your brother and your co-worker and your boss and repent. For the pain is but for a moment, the weeping may last for a night, but joy comes in the morning!
Below are some of the Scripture I read this morning after thinking about what John Michael shared with me:
Jer 8:6 I hearkened and heard, [but] they spake not aright: no man repented him of his wickedness, saying, What have I done? Everyone turned to his course, as the horse rusheth into the battle
Jer 25:5 They said, 'Repent now everyone of his evil way and his evil doings, and dwell in the land that the LORD has given to you and your fathers forever and ever.
Eze 14:6 "Therefore say to the house of Israel, 'Thus says the Lord GOD: "Repent, turn away from your idols, and turn your faces away from all your abominations.
Eze 18:30 "Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways," says the Lord GOD. "Repent, and turn from all your transgressions, so that iniquity will not be your ruin
Hosea 11:5 "He shall not return to the land of Egypt; But the Assyrian shall be his king, because they refused to repent.
Hosea 11:7 My people are bent on backsliding from Me. Though they call to the Most High, None at all exalt [Him].
Joel 2:12-14 Therefore also now, saith the LORD, turn ye [even] to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning: And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the LORD your God: for he [is] gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil. Who knoweth [if] he will return and repent, and leave a blessing behind him; [even] a meat offering and a drink offering unto the LORD your God?
Mat 3:1-2 In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea, and saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
Mar 6:12 And they went out, and preached that men should repent.
Luk 13:3 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.
Finally, we have arrived at the application station. This ties into our message last week at church—the danger of apostacy.
Drifting away from God, fellowship, accountability leads to doubt. Doubt turns into unbelief. Unbelief results in a hardened heart. A hardened heart doesn’t respond to God’s word and when that is absent from our lives we are in danger of shipwreck!!
So, are you at your best in regards to following Christ? Are you slipping? Are you drifting? If you are, repent. If you aren’t, then you certainly know someone who is…pray for their hardened heart to be made a heart of flesh.
tarik
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